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Chain Lock Guide

Chain Lock Guide

Overview

For use in medium to high crime areas

Chain locks are flexible, tough and come in a range of lengths. They opening up a range of versatile locking options that you don’t get with other types of lock. With a chain lock, you’re not limited to fixing your bike to racks and lampposts, but also trees and other oddly shaped objects.

Chain locks are made of two parts, the steel links that create the chain and the lock. The lock may be integrated into the chain, a separate padlock or even a mini D-lock.

A burly chain lock can withstand a range of attacks from crowbars to powered tools. However, the trade off is weight. These are the heaviest bike locks that you can get, with some models weighing over 7kg. The heavier the chain, the stronger the links and the more protection you get.

Weight

Portable Chain: 1kg – 3kg

Lighter weight chain locks under 3kg can be wrapped around your seatpost or frame and taken with you on your morning commute. These locks are more practical for daily use, however, will not offer the same level of protection as a sturdier chain.

Stationary Chain: 3kg – 7kg

Locks weighing over 3kg are not practical to carry around with you. They do make a great stationary storage solution for your garage or shed, where the chain can be permanently fixed in place. Match a chain lock with a ground anchor for the ultimate protection for your bike at home.

Material

Chain links are usually built out of steel. However, premium chains will be constructed from hardened steel. By tempering the steel during forming, it becomes harder and less brittle. This makes it much tougher to cut through the links without serious equipment and time.

Link Thickness

Chain links under 12mm can be cut with sustained effort with standard bolt cutters if the conditions are right.

Tip: Lock your bike in an awkward position to make it harder to use bolt cutters.

13mm – 15mm:

Only the heaviest duty bolt cutters will be needed for these links.

Remember, chain links need to be cut twice to break the link. This will take skill, time and effort.

16mm & Over:

Even the best hand operated bolt-cutters will struggle to tackle these links.

Tip: Keep your chain and lock off the floor. Freeze spray and a hammer strike can compromise the best chain locks.

Locking Mechanism

The Lock

You’ll find most chain locks either come with an integrated lock or a separate padlock (or mini D-lock). A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so make sure the lock is tough enough for your needs.

Look for double deadbolt locking mechanisms that make it much harder to pick or drill the lock open. The thicker the shackle diameter on the padlock or D-lock, the tougher it will be to cut through.

Construction

Chain Length

Lengths under 1m will be useful in tight areas such as locking your bike to a rack, fence or post. 1.5m – 2m chains are useful for locking multiple frames to one spot in your garage (you won’t be carrying these length chains with you as they’re too heavy).

Sold Secure Rated

A great way to determine the quality of a bike lock is to see if it is Sold Secure Rated. This is a third party, UK independent rating system for bike locks.

Sold Secure Bronze

Coverage: Up to £500

Sold Secure Silver

Coverage: Up to £1,000

Sold Secure Gold

Coverage: Over £1,000

An approved lock is graded as Gold, Silver or Bronze. The rating is chosen by how long it takes to break the lock and the tools needed to break it. If you're planning on insuring your bike, many insurers will state you need a Sold Secure rated lock to make a successful claim.

These values vary between insurance providers so check the terms and conditions of your provider.

Delivery & Guarantee

UK Delivery Information

We are committed to offering fast and free delivery, whether you're ordering bikes, accessories or clothing. Our standard delivery service is FREE in the UK, regardless of the size and on all orders over £20.

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